Cabinet makes water and soil guiding spatial choices | News item

News item | 11-25-2022 | 4:15 pm

Minister Harbers: “For centuries we have made our country what it is with our own hands, for example by building dikes and digging ditches. But we are now increasingly reaching the limits, due to intensive use and climate change. By taking more account of our water, we can continue to live and work in the Netherlands in the future. That is why we are now making these choices.”

State Secretary Heijnen: “Our soil is literally the basis of everything we do. It is the foundation for our homes, the source of our drinking water and food, and the point from which electricity and heat enter our homes. Every piece of the soil is in use, which is why I think it is a good thing to use it sparingly. These choices are an important step in that direction.”

Area-oriented approach

The government wants to take more account of water and soil when planning the Netherlands. That is why various structural choices have been made. Many of these choices are preconditions that provinces can use to draw up an area-oriented approach together with all parties involved. This is tailor-made, because there are major differences between the areas.

A few examples:

• There must be more fresh water supplies. This makes it possible, for example, to store more water in the IJsselmeer and in the Markermeer, our ‘national rain barrel’.
• Construction sites were also examined. We no longer want to build in places that we will later need for the storage and drainage of water, such as in the deepest parts of deep polders and in the floodplains of rivers.
• There will also be agreements to cover the soil less, for example to reduce the amount of stones in the city. Less soil cover ensures a healthier soil, better handling of heat and less flooding.
• We are moving towards a higher groundwater level in various places. For each area, we look at the pace at which goals can be achieved with all those involved. A higher groundwater level provides sufficient water if it does not rain for a while, slows down the subsidence of peat soils and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This is achieved by better retention of water with a healthy soil, but also by gaining insight into all withdrawals.
• We also use water more sparingly. The aim is for companies and residents to use 20% less drinking water. We also want the water to remain of good quality, for example by limiting discharges of cooling water.

Collaboration

Giving water and soil control in the organization of the country is a change in our thinking and doing and therefore a tough task. But the choices we make have short-term and long-term benefits. For example, that we can deal better with floods, such as in Limburg, or with drought, such as last summer. This also contributes to a healthier living environment.

The choices require good cooperation between many parties. The government therefore works closely with the water boards, provinces and municipalities.